“The absolute disconnect between those who have been bought out by the big corporations and those fighting for the people is breathtaking,” said radio host Tom Hartmann, in a recent interview with Video Nation and On The Earth Productions recorded at the 10th Annual Fighting Bob Fest in Madison, Wisconsin. Average Americans are watching their country dissolve in front of them, he argues—and it will take grassroots mobilization on both the Left and Right to assess and address the systemic dysfunction of our politics.

This segment is part of a new video series produced by Video Nation in collaboration with On The Earth Productions featuring progressive thinkers and leaders such as Sen. Bernie Sanders, Jim Hightower and Cornel West. Watch the series introduction and check back each Wednesday for a new video in the series. Watch the most recent video installment of the series here.

—Teresa Cotsirilos